Coronavirus latest: Luton falls back into 'areas of concern' just two days after PM praises town's efforts

On Wednesday at Prime Minister's Question Time, leader of the opposition Sir Keir Starmer asked why of all 48 Covid-19 areas of concern, only Luton had succeeded in lifting itself out of special measures.

In response, Boris Johnson said: "The reason I think for the success of Luton is that local people pulled together to depress the virus, to follow the guidance and that is the way forward for the entire country."

Luton's director of Public Health, Gerry Taylor said: "This was a fantastic national recognition of the effort and sacrifice the town’s communities and businesses have made in order to protect each other.

"At this point in time, however, we are seeing another worrying rise in cases and the government has once again classified Luton as an area of concern.

"For the time being there will be no additional local guidelines, but it is likely that the government will need to put some in place if we are unable to get our numbers down."

The council is pushing for residents to stick to the following points to help beat coronavirus:

> Wash your hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds;

> Cover your face in enclosed spaces, especially where social distancing may be difficult and where you will come into contact with strangers;

> Stay two metres apart from anyone you don't live with, where possible.